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Bigg Boss Tamil season eight kicks off on Star Vijay
Mumbai: The much anticipated Bigg Boss Tamil season eight premiered on 6 October 2024, featuring 14 sponsors across various categories. Presented by Nandu White Dhothis and powered by KAG Tiles and A23 Rummy, the season is also co-presented by Cadbury 5 Star, with support from associate sponsors like Kaleesuwari, Haier, and Cera Sanitaryware.
The show continues to offer brands a prime platform to reach a wide audience. Vijay Sethupathi’s debut as the new host has generated excitement, with the teaser promo gaining over 10 million views in 24 hours.
“Bigg Boss Tamil is a marquee show which continues to captivate millions across Tamil Nadu and beyond. For brands and advertisers who are keen on making a lasting impression amongst consumers, there is no better TV show than this one. Year-on-year, Bigg Boss Tamil has demonstrated its ability to deliver significant value to sponsors and advertisers and the eighth season is poised to elevate the entertainment experience to new heights. The grand launch yesterday, set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable and engaging season,” said Disney Star’s head of entertainment, ad sales & strategy, Dev Shenoy.
Nandu Brand MD V. S. Gadigachalam shared his enthusiasm about securing the title sponsorship: “We are excited to be the title sponsor of the popular Tamil TV show, Bigg Boss season eight on Star Vijay. This brand integration offers us an opportunity to showcase our product range and unique features to our customers. Our association with Bigg Boss season 8 opens up new avenues for our brand, allowing us to explore innovative ideas and showcase different styles with our entire NANDU 100 per cent cotton dhothis range. As a show that connects with people on a daily basis, we are super excited to be an integral part of the show.”
Head Digital Works (A23) VP – marketing Gunnidhi Sareen expressed his thoughts on the collaboration, stating: “We are happy to collaborate with Bigg Boss Tamil for the second time. This association is an organic fit for A23, given the increasing visibility and engagement of reality TV in regional languages. Bigg Boss Tamil is all about showcasing one’s skill to win the game, which perfectly aligns with A23’s focus on skill-based gaming. The show’s popularity will yet again help us build meaningful relationships with audiences in key geographies to further strengthen our presence in the market.”
Himalaya Wellness media manager Pratheep Kumar shared his excitement about the partnership: “Coming from Tamil Nadu, I have seen Bigg Boss evolve into a household name over the years. I have witnessed viewers across age groups discussing the happenings in the house during social conversations. We at Himalaya are excited to associate with Bigg Boss Tamil for the first time to launch our new aloe vera face wash campaign. Through this association, we hope to address the need for skincare, both, inside with the BB Housemates and outside with the Tamil Nadu audience as well.”
Bigg Boss Tamil season eight introduces amnen vs women competition, adding a new twist to the show. With fresh contestants, new rules, and Vijay Sethupathi as the host, the season promises drama and intense competition. It airs daily at 9:30 pm on Star Vijay and streams 24×7 on Disney+ Hotstar.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
